Daily Qur’an Reflections: (09) A`raf 88-206 to Anfal 1-40: Ancient Covenants, the Noble Prophetic Way, Adab with Qur’an, and Responding to Allah’s Call
In this series, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadh Tabraze Azam, SeekersHub Global Instructors, share a day by day overview of key themes of each section (juz’) of the Qur’an, over the month of Ramadan. This is covered nightly at IMO of Toronto, where SeekersHub Toronto (www.seekers.flywheelstaging.com) is conducting its Ramadan 2013 programming.
Day 9: Juz’ Nine: Surat al-A`raf [7.88-206] & Surat al-Anfal [8.1-40]
In today’s set of verses, we’ll be looking at four key themes, insha’Allah:
[1] Your Ancient Covenant With Allah
In this verse, Allah informs us of the ancient covenant we took with Him:
“When your Lord took out the offspring from the loins of the Children of Adam and made them bear witness about themselves, He said, ‘Am I not your Lord?’ and they replied, ‘Yes, we bear witness.’ So you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘We were not aware of this.'” [Qur’an, 7.172]
Your soul has known Allah, and yearns for Him. Without turning to Allah, remembering Him, and seeking Him, you cannot find true, lasting contentment.
[2] The Noble, Prophetic Way
Allah Most High called the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to the highest of virtues. These are summarized in one amazing verse:
“Be easygoing; call to what is right; and pay no attention to foolish people.” [Qur’an, 7.199]
Being easygoing (`afw) is to neither demand too much from others, nor to be hard on them if they err.
Calling to the good is an expression of sincere concern for others.
Turning away from the ignorant is to neither participate in ignorant matters, nor to concern oneself with folly.
[3] Proper Manners with the Qur’an
This is a lesson in proper manners. Allah is telling us how to deal with His book. Adab is the proper way of doing something. It is a Divine command to listen to His book when it is recited. The greater the adab you have with it, the more you’ll benefit from it.
“So pay attention and listen quietly when the Qur’an is recited, so that you may be given mercy.” [Qur’an, 7.204]
The Qur’an is the Speech of Allah, and an expression of Divine Mercy. Recite and listen to it attentively. Reflect on its meanings, and strive to live its guidance–seeking Allah thereby–in accordance with the light of the Walking Qur’an, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him & his folk).
[4] Respond to the Call
Allah Most High calls us to submit for our benefit–in this life and the next–and not His:
“Believers, respond to God and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. Know that God comes between a man and his heart, and that you will be gathered to Him.” [Qur’an, 8.24]
Such response requires (1) seeking knowledge, to know how to respond; (2) regular remembrance, to nurture concern and consciousness; and (3) the right company, so that the right choices and responses are facilitated.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani and Tabraze Azam
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